The Area

Herriot Country

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Herriot Country and North Yorkshire Dales

Lying between the North Yorkshire Moors National Park to the east, and the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the west, Herriot Country is located within a delightful drive of Appleby Manor Country House Hotel and through beautiful Yorkshire countryside.

The area fondly referred to as Herriot Country is famed as the inspiration for the famous author of the James Herriot novels, Alf Wight. Herriot being his pen name; James Alfred Wight based his books on his own experiences as a local country vet. These books were made into films and also televised in the popular series All Creatures Great and Small, giving greater exposure to the beautiful scenery often referred to as Herriot Country.

His first book - 'If only they could talk' - was published in 1970, and in all he wrote eight books about his life as a vet. The books were set around the Yorkshire Dales, and the characters were based on his family and friends. Helen was based on his wife Joan, and Donald Sinclair and brother Brian became Siegfried and Tristan Farnon. His children Jim and Rosie kept their own names.

Alf Wight, lived and practiced in Thirsk and the surrounding area now known as Herriot Country. Thirsk, James Herriot's Darrowby is home to a unique tribute to the vet where you can discover and relive the life and times of James Herriot. The world of James Herriot Museum is a unique tribute to Alf Wight, and is the only center of its kind in the UK dedicated to Veterinary science. The museum is situated in the actual 'Skeldale House' his former surgery at 23 Kirkgate. The attraction which is open throughout the year enables visitors to experience life as a vet in the 1940s as well as giving visitors the chance to take part in their own television program from All Creatures Great and Small. There are interactive displays in the farm and the museum is home to one of the largest displays of veterinary instruments in the country.

Explore the magical land of All Creatures Great and Small and the beautiful Northern countryside depicted so memorably in James Herriot's books. Herriot Country is an area rich in tradition and heritage with no shortage of historic houses, working farms and mills. The Georgian market towns of Bedale, Easingwold, Northallerton, Thirsk and Stokesley all have their own unique character and quaintness some with ancient cobbled streets, and weekly markets.

Following an intriguing day out exploring Herriot Country and the beautiful scenery of the Yorkshire Dales retreat back to your accommodation at Appleby Manor Country House Hotel for a relax in the swimming pool, steam rooms or sauna, followed by dinner in the award-winning restaurant.